the need"The Oklahoma business community is critical to the success of our youngest children." - Patrice Douglas, Mayor, Edmond, OK

To stay competitive, companies need an educated workforce. Development of a strong and sophisticated workforce begins before a child enters kindergarten. Employers want to hire critical thinkers, problem-solvers, life-long learners, socially competent and emotionally healthy individuals, team players, and those that can balance work/life issues. These characteristics are brought about by skills acquired in the early years!

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Oklahoma's Workforce Employer SurveyThe Oklahoma Workforce Employer Survey was conducted in the summer of 2006 to assesscurrent and future workforce needs in Oklahoma. Some of the skills employers found difficultto find while hiring are skills that develop in the first 5 years of life.